PES Students Learn Life Lessons in Outdoor Classroom

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Sixth grade students from PES pose in front of one of the raised beds in the school's outdoor classroom. The group includes, from left: Grace Hernandez, Jycinda Veirling, Hunter Clayton and Jasmine Leggett.

Sixth grade science students at Piggott Elementary School enjoyed the fruits of their harvest last month, as they had the chance to eat the radishes they planted early last fall in the outdoor classroom.

The outdoor classroom is located adjacent to the playground on the PES campus, and features a variety of raised gardens in an enclosed area.

Last fall, Veleda Langley's sixth grade science students planted radishes as part of their experiments. The students then had the opportunity to sample their efforts at a special brunch held Dec.18, prior to the Christmas vacation.

Working in the outdoor classroom has afforded the students a chance to learn about planting, watering and harvesting items that are commonly found in a garden. Teachers have also used the setting to help promote reading, math and vocabulary skills.

The outdoor garden also offers PES students the chance to build life science and earth science experience with real-life situations and hands-on experiences.